[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by OG68

Thanks for the kind comments. At the moment I'm sort of overwhelmed by the amount of work left to be done. The engine short block has been completed and I expect to have it back in about a month. At my direction I have told the builder to take his time as I don't have room for it anyway. That also helps me budget wise. Got my carburetor back from Cliff. One of the last ones he's rebuilding. I'm very much impressed by his craftsmanship. The padded dash is at Just Dashes and will be done in a few weeks. All the chrome work has been completed. I still need to buy a windshield and have the headliner installed. Then I can move forward with the interior. Still trying to decide whether to buy 225/70 redlines with Rally II's or thin 3/8" whitewalls with steelies and dog dishes as original. I'm leaning towards the whitewalls since it's rather uncommon these days.
One bite at a time.

Redlines might look good. Seems like I saw a red Chevrolet pickup with redlines on it, will try to find that picture. How much for the El Camino?

Those slots look like U.S. Mags to me, the best looking slot wheels of all!!!

[John Eiseman]

Very cool.thread here. Like the back story with your car too Ed. My 69 hardtop came from the same dealer.I think, in Yreka. I'll check the PHS later on.

[Verdoro 68]

It's looking awesome!

Regarding the wheels - are the slotted mags out of the question? Those are part of the car's (and your family's) history. Might be cool to have set to swap on every now adn tehn.

[OG68]

Picture of the Erickson & James dealership from about 20 years ago. They sold GMC and Buicks too, as well as being a Standard Oil (Chevron) gas station.
I'll have to stop by on my next trip north to see if it's still standing.

From the City of Yreka Historical Society
http://yrekahistory.blogspot.com/200...es-garage.html

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by OG68

Picture of the Erickson & James dealership from about 20 years ago. They sold GMC and Buicks too, as well as being a Standard Oil (Chevron) gas station.
I'll have to stop by on my next trip north to see if it's still standing.

From the City of Yreka Historical Society
http://yrekahistory.blogspot.com/200...es-garage.html

Next time you're in Yreka. Look up TNT auto body. The owner is heavy into Pontiacs.

[OG68]

Well, after a 7 year restoration, I finally got my GTO on the road. It last ran in 1992. Lots of setbacks along the way but it's all but done.
The wife and I did most of the restoration work. I had the first engine build, rear axle, and paint done by professional shops along with some small items such as the carb, steering wheel, etc

I started off this project planning to keep the car as original as possible. That changed...
Original rebuilt engine was bored 40 over, 14 cc dished ICON pistons, forged RPM rods, 068 cam and stock '16' heads were used. 9.65 calculated compression. Cliff built the Q-Jet.

During a test stand break in, the engine ran great. I took it home and pulled the pan and discovered the 2-3-4 cam bearings had melted. Engine would not bar over without excessive force.

Obviously a second rebuild was in order. Mick (Lust4speed) helped me install new cam bearings and shaved them for clearance. The second time around I decided to go with Edelbrock 72 cc D port heads, Crower 62042 cam with Crower SS enduro rockers and "Cam Saver" lifters. I know I left power on the table by not increasing the compression but given the quality of gas here in California, I prefer not having to worry about it. This time I built the engine with lots of advice from Mick.

Second break-in went well and engine was installed last Sept. Reinstalled the front fenders, bumper and hood and finally started it up last weekend and drove around the 4 mile neighborhood loop. Lots of small hills to help seat the rings. Engine feels and sounds great!

Still a few items to complete, finish painting the grills, final tune, and AC charge. Looking forward to the New Year!

BTW not my house lol

[1_Wild_Cat]

Great result. Congrats - it is definitely a marathon not a sprint. 10 yrs into my project - so I sincerely get it.

[OG68]

More photos

[1969GTO]

I bought my 68 in August 2025 from an out of state dealer, Big Mistake on my part. GTO was allegedly ready to drive at 45000 original miles
Well I drive it and right away it ran like crap, I put less that ten miles on the car and took the engine out to find a jumped timing chain and a wiped out cam
I priced a rebuild WOW about ten grand, it's a numbers matching engine, so now I have a long term project too

[will slow gto]

Beautiful result on the 68 Ed, and the house you parked in front of isn’t too shabby either. Is that the vintage air Mark IV under the dash? Please share an under hood photo with the compressor and hose routing when you get a chance.

[73LeMans]

I love the update! The car looks amazing and you gotta be proud of the kickazz results. Well done!

[muscle_collector]

great job, looks beautiful love the red/red also love the period correct add on ac unit.

[michaelfind]

Congratulations!

[OG68]

AC Photos

Pro6Ten compressor from Old Air products
MKIV and condenser from Vintage Air

I used AC compressor brackets from a 69 LeMans. Replaced the water pump and crank pulleys to 68 AC versions.
Original 4 row PC radiator with new copper core.



Adapted the Vintage Air wiring to 68 AC wiring. Power for the MKIV and compressor come directly off the alternator through a relay



Didn't need a dipstick extension.





Refrigerant hoses to the MK IV are directly below the heater box.

[1969GTO]

All looks perfect, I want your air cleaner assembly for my 68.

[muscle_collector]

does the ac work good

[OG68]

Don't know yet. It needs to be charged.

[will slow gto]

Looks clean, thanks for sharing!

[7t4mula]

Congrats on completing this fantastic restoration project! I’ll bet this feels so fulfilling!

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Really wild and unique to have a GTO your Mom bought new when you were 16 .
Extra Cool
Looks really sharp and great results making it like new again.